A couple weeks ago, I attended the 32nd annual Montrose Christian Writer's Conference up in Montrose, Pennsylvania. This was my third year going, and let me tell you, it was another GREAT year! There were 4 major morning classes, and a variation of different workshops to attend in the afternoon. Another feature was a free 15-minute meeting with an editor/agent in attendance to show them your work, get their feedback, and even present a book proposal to them! *gasp* I have yet to present a proposal but I have met with authors to get their feedback on a chapter and I've paid for a critique (which includes a 30 minute meeting with them to talk about the work you've sent to them ahead of time.) This year, for the first time, I stayed overnight. I do live close enough to commute (an hour away) but I wanted to get the full experience and stay on campus. The building in the picture above (Dreyer Lodge) is where a majority of the conference happens. Isn't it beautiful? Over lunch one day, the leader of my local writer's group (shout out to Donna Spudis!) asked if I could share three things I learned from the conference at our next critique group meeting. Last week, I was able to share those things I learned and I thought I'd share them with you as well! #1: Italics For as long as I've been reading (and writing), I've noticed how authors italicize the character's thoughts. I applied the technique to my own writing and have been doing so for a couple years now. Until I learned. . . italics aren't as popular as they once were. Instead writers these days should write in "close third." Example: Everything I touch, breaks. ~character's thought~ Close third: The fractured glass reminded her of the many lives she'd broken. #2: Know why you're doing this. Every morning, a different author gives a "morning challenge" before we go off to our major morning classes. On Thursday morning, Roseanna M. White told us to, "Know your why." Why do we write? Why do we do this? This is great practice. So often I get caught up in the story and in my characters that when someone asks me "why" I wrote this story or "why" my character reacted this way, I draw a blank. In fact, at the very first major morning class, taught by Gayle Roper, she asked us: Why did you decide to write this story? After I gave a brief synopsis of my story to one of the writers over lunch, she asked me something along the lines of, "What made you want to write this story?" Writer friends, answer these questions ahead of time so you'll better be able to answer them! :) #3: Confirmation helps you see the problem. This lesson was unique because I didn't necessarily learn it from one of the classes, but I experienced it. I showed a chapter of my current work-in-progress to one of the editors there (you know who you are!) and she pointed out something I could do to add to my character's reaction to a certain problem that she'd suffered through. On a whim, that afternoon, I attended a free critique group in Dreyer Lodge's chapel and the author heading it also mentioned the SAME thing! Yay, confirmation! That's why I say that confirmation helps you see the problem. It's why you have beta readers go over your stories so that if they point out some of the same things, then you know that's definitely an area of your story that you need to change! One thing you'll notice, if you attend, are the stuffed animal ducks scattered all around the place. Writers are "odd ducks" to some people and that's where the ducks come in. ;) Want an example of odd duck-ness? I took a picture of my door, my room key, and the hallway outside of my room because of the inspiration I had for a future story about a haunted hotel, a handsome locksmith (hence the key), and a heroine in danger. There you have it! ;) I may have gone overboard in my book buying this year, but I just couldn't resist! Lol! ;)
Finally, a shout out to so many people who made this conference great! Thank you to Marsha Hubler, the fabulous director of the conference. Your "words of wisdom" are my favorite part of the mornings! ;) Thanks to Gayle Roper for the major morning class and the signed book! I can't wait to read it! Thank you to Roseanna White for signing every book for me, for your helpful afternoon classes, and the feedback you gave me for my first chapter! You became one of my favorite authors to read after my first conference (two years ago!) I was so blessed to be able to attend this conference and I am patiently counting down the days till next year! :)
4 Comments
8/5/2021 05:53:42 pm
Carolyn!
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Donna Spudis
8/5/2021 06:53:31 pm
Thank you for you for sharing in our group. I praise God that I can be a positive influencer in your life and in your writing. To God be the glory!
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Carolyn Oravitz
8/6/2021 04:36:33 am
Excellent post once again. I love your idea for a future story inspired by the key. Keep up the great writing!
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AuthorHi! I'm Carolyn, a writer seeking to glorify God with my words. Archives
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